How Texans, CJ Stroud unintentionally keep crushing the Carolina Panthers franchise
KARMA POLICE
04 January 2024
This week, the Houston Texans are preparing to play a do-or-die game against the Colts with a Wild Card berth on the line. And regardless of the outcome, it's safe to say it's been a great season for the Texans, who have already secured a winning record.
Especially when compared to how things have played out for the Panthers, who had the No. 1 pick in the draft. They've already fired their head coach and have only won two games this season.
Things got even worse for the Panthers on Sunday as they were dominated 26-0 by the Jaguars, who started backup quarterback CJ Beathard. Frustrations ran high in this game, causing QB Bryce Young to smash his tablet on the sideline, and owner David Tepper to throw his drink on Jaguar fans.
As if things aren't bad enough for Carolina, it looks like the Texans nailed the No.3 overall pick in the draft with Will Anderson, who looks like a legit Pro Bowler for years to come. Not to mention CJ Stroud who already plays like a generational QB as a rookie.
Also, let's not forget DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio have a legit shot at winning Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year, respectively.
With that in mind, what will it take for Houston fans to fully embrace the new-look Texans? Sunday's game against the Titans was one of the biggest crowds of the season at NRG, but there were a few empty seats.
What has to happen for Texans fans to fully buy back in and have a big waiting list for season tickets like in years past? Would beating the Colts and making the playoffs be enough?
Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!
Lars Nootbaar hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning, and Steven Matz pitched five strong innings in his first start of the season to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Houston Astros 4-1 Wednesday.
Matz (1-0) retired the last 15 batters he faced, striking out five, after allowing a run on a pair of singles to lead off the game.
Ryan Fernandez, Kyle Leahy and Phil Maton each pitched a scoreless inning of relief before Ryan Helsley pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his third save of the season.
Ronel Blanco (1-2) allowed three runs and five hits and three walks in five innings for Houston, which has not won consecutive games this season.
Nootbaar hit his third home run of the season to center field off Blanco in the bottom of the fifth to give the Cardinals a 3-1 lead.
Key moment
Victor Scott II put down a bunt single to lead off the bottom of the fifth that just barely stayed fair down the third-base line. It was his major league-leading fourth bunt hit of the season.
Key stat
Brendan Donovan singled in the fifth inning to extend his major league-best hitting streak to 12 games. That also matches his career high.
Up next
Astros: RHP (Ryan Gusto 1-0, 3.00 ERA) is scheduled to face Padres LHP Kyle Hart (2-0, 5.40 ERA) the opener of a three-game series Friday night in Houston.
Cardinals: RHP Andre Pallante (2-0, 2.20 ERA) starts the opener of a four-game series at the New York Mets on Thursday night.
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